Former Man Utd star names three players Erik ten Hag should sign in January transfer window to create new-look team
FORMER Manchester United star Lee Sharpe has named three players that he thinks could strengthen the side.
The retired winger picked Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Aston Villa’s World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez and Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong as a trio that could reinvent the team.
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from the club and reports suggesting the Red Devils want a replacement, Sharpe admitted that Kane would be his top pick.
He told NewCasinoUK: “I suppose Harry Kane would be top of the list – if he would ever leave Tottenham.
“But then, if he does come, [Anthony] Martial isn’t going to get a game which would mean you’d lose Martial, and you’d need someone else.
“So I’m not really sure who could come in because I don’t think they’re going to be the number one choice, as I think the manager likes Martial, so to replace Martial potentially lose Martial, it’s a difficult one.”
Sharpe also spoke on Martinez, who has recently been criticised for his post-World Cup antics.
The former Red Devil defended the Argentine and believes that he would be a good signing with the current “question marks” over David De Gea.
He added: “You’ve got to remember that all goal-keepers are a bit different to most people – playing a different position, with different pressures.
“He’s played in one of the biggest games in the world and maybe overreacted a little bit, but I wouldn’t take away from what he’s done and what he’s achieved.
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“I think he’s saved more penalties at a world cup than anybody, had a really good World Cup and I think he’s a really good keeper, and I think he would be good for United.
“I know there are question marks over De Gea, so maybe he would be decent to come in, and we certainly know that he can cope under pressure.”
The last name Sharpe mentioned was the club’s long-term target De Jong.
The Barcelona midfielder was chased all summer long by the club, and there is hope they can still get a deal done for him which would see him move to Old Trafford.
And Sharpe believes that the Dutchman would be an excellent addition to the squad.
He said: “I think he’s an unbelievable player and is one of those that can get the ball on the edge of his own box, turn and beat someone and turn defence into attack in a matter of three seconds.
“There’s not many people in the Premier League or in football that can do that consistently and do it as well as he does. He is a phenomenal player in transition.
“I think you’d put him in the category with people like [Kevin] De Bruyne.
“Casemiro is a top quality player, but the type of player to get the ball on the edge of the box, beat one or two and slide someone in for a chance on goal like De Jong is.
“I think he’d be an unreal addition to the team.”